Born and bred in the south-west of England, Stephen trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama (1969 – 72). He worked as a secondary school teacher in inner city Manchester and as a drama workshops organiser around Cleveland before moving in 1976 to Lancaster to work with the Dukes Theatre’s then Theatre-in-Education company and the city subsequently became his base for the following four decades. He now lives in the Northumberland National Park (See Country Diary) with his partner, the illustrator and children’s picture book author, Kim Lewis www.kimlewisart.co.uk

Recent:Voice & Presentation Workshop for north-east based trainee Blue Badge tourist guides An Evening with Susie White: Writing for The Guardian Country Diary at Robinson-Gay Gallery reading a selection of Susie’s writing alongside the nature poems that inspired her. Compiler & QM for table quiz on England and theEnglish Countryside of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, (CPRE) the countryside charity.

Forthcoming: Haunted: Ghost Story Readings for Halloween. Autumn 2020 north country venues: See news update at Demi-Paradise

My west country roots have defined certain key roles in different media during a long and varied career. Having a rural working class background and ‘default’ voice to match gave authenticity and depth to the characters I’ve played. Otherwise my normal everyday RP speech keeps me in ‘neutral’ ready to move into other voices and characters reflecting where I have lived and worked around the UK. Being based in the north of England since 1973 has provided the other key component of my working practice. Dad was a Lancastrian – our family tree in the county goes back to the 17th Century – so I’m secure in having an understanding and pride in my northern heritage too. I was fortunate in getting a grant aided vocational training at Central; looking back on it as a kind of cultural SAS course that brought out the resourcefulness and adaptability essential to making a successful living in the arts. At age 68, embarking on pleasingly different phase in my life and career, I continue to be curious in seeking out and developing creative opportunities.